2010 FFSpin.com NFL Mock Draft — ROUND 1 (Updated April 19th, 2010) |
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| PK | Team | Pos | Player | School | Video | Team Needs |
Defense | Offense | Analysis | ||
| Rush | Pass | Rush | Pass | ||||||||
| 1 | St. Louis Rams | QB | Sam Bradford | Oklahoma | Video | QB-CB- WR-DT |
27 | 25 | 20 | 28 | Bill Devaney may be trying to bluff by say the Rams have not settled on their pick, but I believe that about as much I believed Bill Clinton “Did not have sex with that woman.“ Bradford has plenty of detractors and some think that while he may be the best QB in this class, he is not worthy of the #1 overall pick. Despite the skeptics, he is #2 on the Draftek.com Big Board and seems destined to man the helm for this struggling franchise. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Raul, NFLDradtdog.com, “McCoy could be a star, but defensive lineman seldom change losing mentalities, signal callers do.” |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | DT | Ndamukong Suh | Nebraska | Video | CB-DT- SS-OL |
25 | 32 | 24 | 21 | The Lions have invested millions in QB Matthew Stafford so many are projecting OT Russell Okung as the pick but I just don't see how the leagues worst defense allowing over 31 pts a game can pass on such a game changing pass rusher. The Lions recently traded for OG Rob Sims from Seattle but I doubt he's the answer to keep Stafford from getting decapitated but I digress. Ultimately Suh is the pick for a Lions team that has only gone defense in round 1 once in the past 10 years (LB Ernie Sims in 2006). I could also see a trade down if they decide that O-line is the way to go. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mike Mayock compares Suh to Kevin Williams (Minnesota Vikings) and believes that Suh is the stronger rush defender while McCoy excels more in pass defense. |
| 3 | Tampa Bay Bucs | DT | Gerald McCoy | Oklahoma | Video | WR-DT- DE-CB |
32 | 10 | 23 | 24 | The league's worst rush defense in 2009 allowing over 158 yards per game is in prime spot to land one of the top 2 DT in this years draft. If Suh slips to them they will be running to the podium faster than Ben Johnson on roids. McCoy has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism for an interior lineman in a 4-3 scheme. His 23 reps at the combine are not elite but his pass-rushing skills are second to none in this draft. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Gerald McCoy has been described as “an anchor for his size. Can't be moved off his base&8221; by Pete Fiutak of Scout.com, which is what GM's and coaches want in a defensive tackle. |
| 4 | Washington Redskins | OT | Russell Okung | Okla. State | Video | LT-RB- RT-QB |
16 | 8 | 27 | 16 | No surprise here. The Redskins have their franchise QB and now they have what they hope will be the cornerstone to a woeful offensive line. Someone has to give McNabb the time to throw one-hoppers. Jansen and Samuels have left the building and without a 2nd rounder this year, the Skins' will opt to protect their brand new investment. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt from walterfootball.com has Okung going in the same slot (as do most pundits) and give some solid reasons including his feeling that Okung is the real deal and would have gone even higher had he come out last year. |
| 5 | Kansas City Chiefs | OT | Brian Baluga | Iowa | Video | LT-NT- FS-OLB |
31 | 22 | 11 | 25 | Left Tackle is an urgent need for the Chiefs who surrendered way too many sacks (45). The need to figure out if Matt Cassel can be the long term answer and if he is going to have a fair shake, they need to protect him. Many mock experts have Eric Berry in this slot and Safety is clearly another need for the Chiefs. Berry has the potential to be a big play threat and game changer on the defense. What this may come down to is that it's easier to swallow investing big money in a Left Tackle than a safety. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Todd McShay (ESPN): “Oklahoma's Trent Williams is a superior talent to Bulaga but we don't expect Scott Pioli & Co. to take a risk on a player whose commitment to the game is in question. Bulaga may top out as a very good starting right tackle but that's just fine opposite current LT Branden Albert.” |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks | OT | Trent Williams | Oklahoma | Video | OT-DE- CB-WR |
15 | 30 | 26 | 15 | Some people are making noise that Trent Williams may actually be the best Left Tackle prospect in this draft. The Seahawks have glaring needs at both LT and RB. There seems to be a consensus that CJ Spiller will be a member of the Seattle squad sometime on Thursday night, the question is whether or not Pete Carroll and company are willing to play a little chicken by taking LT first. We say they do and Trent Williams is the man they ask to solidify an offensive line that surrendered 41 sacks and finished 26th in the league in rushing offense. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Raul, NFLDradtdog.com, “Williams is the prototype right tackle, Williams can anchor well and plays great technique.” |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns | S | Eric Berry | Tennessee | Video | QB-WR- CB-S |
28 | 29 | 8 | 32 | I just can't see Holmgren reaching for Jimmy Claussen here. WR Dez Bryant is also an option but character concerns have many teams dropping hIm on their boards. Ultimately I believe the Browns decide to take the best playmaking Safety in the draft and a potential Ed Reed type if he reaches his potential. His impressive performance at the combine (ran a 4.4O while benching 19 reps) might have Berry gone by the #7 pick. When asked about his versatility Berry said “I played every position in the defensive backfield in coach Kiffin's scheme. You could also say I played a little linebacker also. Free safety, strong safety, nickel corner for three years. Also I played true corner. I feel I bring a lot to the table and have a lot to offer to any team that picks me up“. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mel Kiper (ESPN): Any questions about his physical skills were answered impressively during the testing phase, which is all he needed to maintain his standing as the premier safety of not just this draft, but as perhaps one of the best we've seen in a while. Berry is a top talent and fills a need. I'll say it again: the Ed Reed comparisons are legit. |
| 8 | Oakland Raiders | DE | Jason Pierre-Paul | South Florida | Video | QB-OT- DT-WR |
29 | 7 | 21 | 29 | Al Davis has a tendency to fall in love with athleticism and that is what Pierre-Paul brings to the table. He's a freak and the only man in the world with Pierre in his name, outside of George St-Pierre, that can intimidate people. This South Florida prospect is very raw but has tremendous upside and couple be one of the coveted “tweener” players that adds versatility to his game. He is a bit of project but many compare him in potential and skill set to Javon Kearse. The Raiders may ultimately go LT here, but I don't seem even an orgainzation that has made as many monumental mistakes as they have recently reaching that much for Bruce Campbell. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (Walterfootball.com): I love JPP's skill set and I think when it is all said and done, I will give him a first-round grade. However, I am going to be conservative with his evaluation right now. I have questions as to why he bounced around to another community college, as he must have struggled academically. Sometimes he doesn't seem to love the game, but for the most part I like him as a prospect and he is worth taking a chance on. I'll be very surprised if his name isn't called in the top 25 picks. |
| 9 | Buffalo Bills | QB | Jimmy Clausen | Notre Dame | Video | QB-OT- NT-WR |
30 | 2 | 16 | 30 | The Bills need a franchise QB, partially to win games and partially to sell tickets. They threw their hat into the Donovan McNabb sweepstakes and but for McNabb's reluctance to be a Bill they may have landed them. Clausen is a gifted QB and unless the Bills buy into the feeling floating around some league circles that he has character flaws and is not a natural leader, he will be in Buffalo. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: (Walterfootball.com): Jimmy Clausen is a franchise quarterback. He has carried the spotlight since he was a teenager and has surpassed the hype. He has an outstanding skill set with the elite intangibles you see in the great quarterbacks. |
| 10 | Jacksonville Jaguars | CB | Joe Haden | Florida | Video | FS-C- QB-WR |
19 | 27 | 10 | 19 | The Jaguars are rumored to be one team trying to trade down. If they keep this pick, I think they go with the best available player regardless of position. At 5'11, 193 lbs., Haden has prototypical height with adequate bulk and is ranked as the #1 CB in this year's draft. His slower than expected 40 time (4.45 to 4.50) may cause him to slide on draft day. Gene Smith is an astute general manager that usually stresses positional value and the Best Player Available strategy. The Jacksonville defense ranked in the bottom five in pass defense in 2009 and Haden will step in as an immediate starter. If the Jags expect to dethrone the Colts as division champs they need to assemble an elite secondary. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Don Banks (Sports Illustrated) From a value standpoint, landing the draft's best cover cornerback should trump getting the draft's impact safety. Haden needs to run well at the combine to definitively secure a spot in the top 10. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/02/25/mock-draft-1/index.html |
| 11 | Denver Broncos*[1] | WR | Dez Bryant | Okla. State | Video | WR-ILB- G/C-QB |
26 | 3 | 18 | 13 | Coach Josh McDaniel's seemed pretty adamant in his feelings that there is a difference between guys with character problems and young men that made mistakes they regret. He put Bryant in the later group and it felt to me like the opening salvo in a public relations campaign to justify sending one very proven diva away just to bring in an unproven diva and new headaches. I think the right move here is to bolster the D and look for one of the other big receivers in the second round, but who am I. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Prodraftparty.com has Bryant ranked as the #5 player overall. “Size/speed ratio of a #1 Wide Receiver, tremendous ball skills and reliable hands, changes direction extremely well for a big man/superb punt-return man, a true go-to guy that can take over games.” |
| 12 | Miami Dolphins | DE | Derrick Morgan | Georgia Tech | Video | FS-NT- OLB-WR |
18 | 24 | 4 | 20 | Morgan is the top DE prospect in this draft. Morgan (6' 4“ 275 lbs), recorded 12.5 sacks and 18 TFLs last year. He has a big motor a great first step and none of the character concerns that you see from all of the other top Defensive Ends. The Dolphins have an aging defensive front. The 35-year-old Jason Ferguson enters 2010 season with an 8-game suspension. Joey Porter left for Arizona and Jason Taylor is rumored to the Jets. They need to develop a better pass rush to help the secondary. The offseason addition of Karlos Dansby should help but depth at inside linebacker (Channing Crowder can't stay healthy) is also an area of need. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (Walterfootball.com) compares Morgan to Patrick Kerney. Kerney's motor, strength, and initial quickness has made him a successful player in the NFL. I see similar traits in Morgan. |
| 13 | San Francisco 49ers | OT | Anthony Davis | Rutgers | Video | OT-CB- ILB-S |
6 | 21 | 25 | 22 | The 49ers seem to be willing to give Alex Smith every opportunity to win the right to be their long term answer at QB and that should include protecting his blind side. The Niners offense was abysmal last season. They finished 22nd in passing and 26th in rushing. Anthony Davis has some red flags, like going AWOL on his pro day, but there is no questioning his talent. He fits this offensive scheme much better than he would a zone blocking scheme and he makes too much sense for San Francisco to pass up. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks *[2] | RB | C.J. Spiller | Clemson | Video | OT-DE- CB-WR |
15 | 30 | 26 | 15 | In this scenario the Seahawks win their gamble and land the RB they want. Spiller is perhaps the most dynamic back in the draft. He can score from anywhere and reminds people a lot of Reggie Bush. At only 195 lbs he is not an every down back but Pete Carroll will know how to incorporate him into his offense. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: |
| 15 | New York Giants | LB | Rolando McClain | Alabama | Video | MLB-DT- LB-OL |
14 | 15 | 17 | 11 | McClain is a bit old school. He is an elite tackler and hits hard. The Big Blue defense fell apart in 2009 and they have a pressing need to replace Antonio Pierce at middle linebacker with versatile player with the ability to drop into pass coverage and enough physicality to stop the the run. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mel Kiper (ESPN): McClain is the top inside linebacker in the draft, and the Giants should be happy to grab him at No. 15. A fiery leader, instinctive and a great tackler, McClain's diagnostic skills point to great coaching. |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | DT | Dan Williams | Tennessee | Video | DE-CB- DT-LB |
10 | 31 | 2 | 23 | Defensively, the struggles remain a Titan defense ranked 28th in total yards allowed (366 yds/game). There isnŐt much of a pass rush and the secondary was below average in 2009. Adding a pass rusher or two up front should be the TitansŐ biggest priorities the 2010 draft. Tennessee's front office places high priority on combine production. In 2009, they selected WR Kenny Britt after he posted a 4.47 40 time and leaped 37 inches. In 2008, it was Chris Johnson's fastest official 40 ever that caught their attention (smart move). Dan Williams is in a similar situation after his impressive Combine (5.17 40 time) and the 327 pounder likely solidified himself as the No. 3 defensive tackle (after the Big two Suh and McCoy). WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mel Kiper (ESPN): Williams is great leverage player, he can occupy blockers and disrupt. |
| 17 | San Francisco 49ers *[3] | CB | Kyle Wilson | Boise State | Video | OT-CB- ILB-S |
6 | 21 | 25 | 22 | You have to love a guy that has an RV with his image emblazoned on it. Wilson lit up the ugly blue field at Boise St. and seems poised to do the same on the next level. He covers well and is not afraid to play the run. Wilson provides big play possibilities at the corner position because he switches gears from defender to kick returner when the ball is in his hand. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Prodraftparty.com has Wilson ranked as the #18 player overall. “Good size, elite feet and hips, excellent speed, comfortable in press-coverage, physical, great return man.“ |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers | OG | Mike Lupati | Idaho | Video | CB-C- G-DL |
3 | 16 | 19 | 9 | The Steelers offensive line struggled in 2009 and allowed an alarming 50 sacks. The left side of the line ( LT Max Starks and LG Chris Kemoeatu) struggle with speed rushers. Right guard Trai Essex struggles to generate leverage in the run game. The addition of OG Mike Lupati would an upgrade in protection for Big Ben (provided he's under center and avoids an offseason trip to the big house). Lupati is a mauler but is still raw. He had a great week at the Senior Bowl but did struggle in pass protection. At 6-6, 330 lbs he should also have the ability to play right tackle and his versatility and potential are worthy of a top 20 pick. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Todd McShay (ESPN): “Lupati will allow a team to reestablish a physical tone on offense and drafting a dominant interior lineman would be a good step in that direction.” |
| 19 | Atlanta Falcons | DE | Brandon Graham | Michigan | Video | DE-OLB- OL-CB |
10 | 28 | 15 | 14 | The Falcons signed the best corner available in Dunta Robinson and re-signed Brian Williams. GM Thomas Dimitroff is likely target a player to improve the Falcon pass rush. A hybrid player like Brandon Graham would be a step in the right direction. The Atlanta defense ranked 21st in the NFL in total yards allowed (349 yards/game). On the defensive line, the Falcons should need to add pass rushers to help out the secondary and limit their time in coverage. On the plus side they should have first-round pick Peria Jerry returning from a season-ending knee injury. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (walterfootball.com): “I'm concerned about Brandon Graham's height (6-1), but there's no denying his talent level. He's a tremendous pass-rusher, and he's great against the run. He can take Jamaal Anderson's spot in the lineup.” |
| 20 | Houston Texans | S | Earl Thomas | Texas | Video | CB-RB- NT-FS |
10 | 18 | 30 | 1 | CB Dunta Robinson hardly played like a number one corner and signed a free agent contract with Atlanta. Eugene Wilson was placed on injured reserve in the middle of the season. He has now missed 29 games in the last four years. Finding a playmaker at free safety could spark a secondary that ranked 18th allowing 218 yds/game and 21 TDs through the air. Thomas is 1A to Eric Berry in the 2010 safety crop and can also play CB. He can cover, has a nose for the ball and can dish out punishing hits. At 5'10, 208 pounds he lacks ideal height and bulk for an NFL safety but has shown durability in college starting all 27 games during two seasons at Texas (2008-09). WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Raul, NFLDradtdog.com “He is a great ball hawk with cornerback instincts. He needs to be a more consistent tackler but he possesses the ability to become a big time playmaker in a club desperate for one.” http://www.nfldraftdog.com/Mock-Drafts/2010-staff-mocks/Raul.html |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | OT | Bruce Campbell | Maryland | Video | TE-FS-DE-WR | 7 | 6 | 9 | 26 | Guards Evan Mathis and Bobbie Williams were adequate in 2009, but Williams is aging and will soon need a replacement. The tackle play has been inconsistent but 2009 first round LT Andre Smith should improve in his second year. Campbell is projected as a potential top 10 pick based on his out of this world performance at the combine. He ran a 4.85 at the Combine at 6-6, 314. He also posted 34 reps of 225 pounds despite having 36 1/4-inch arms. Despite elite measurables, questions about his footwork and inability to get a push off the line make him more of a late first round value. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (walterfootball.com): “Consider Bruce Campbell the Jason Smith of the 2010 NFL Draft class. His stock will be soaring through the roof once we get to the Combine, however, he is more of a natural pass protector than Smith. With more experience, he could become a Pro Bowl left tackle at the next level. Of course, you have to consider his long list of injuries, but he'll likely be taken in the top 16 picks.” http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010bcampbell.php |
| 22 | New England Patriots | LB | Sergio Kindle | Texas | Video | WR-OLB- ILB-TE |
13 | 12 | 12 | 3 | Kindle fits the bill for a Patriots LB. They have a prototype that they rarely deviate from and Kindle has the right height/weight/speed ratio for Belichick. Kindle is versatile and can play standing up or with his hand on the ground. The Patriots need to replenish a front seven that has lost a couple stalwarts in recent years and had at least one big name free agent flop disappoint them. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Robert Lee of Projo.com agrees that Kindle is an obvious choice for the Pats “He is an instinctive and athletic playmaker who would be at his best playing outside linebacker in New EnglandŐs base 3-4 defense, but he also has experience at defensive end.“ |
| 23 | Green Bay Packers | OT | Charles Brown | USC | Video | CB-OLB- OT-G/C |
1 | 5 | 14 | 7 | The Packers need to continue to upgrade Aaron Rodgers blind side protection to ensure that he survives 2010. The Packers allowed a league worst 51 sacks in 2009. LT Chad Clifton turns 34 in June and is no longer capable sustaining blocks against elite pass-rushers. Charles Brown needs to improve his run blocking technique (does not provide a strong initial surge), but as a pass protector, he is one of the best in the class. The converted tight end is undersized and managed just 20 reps of 225 pounds however he has the frame to add bulk without sacrificing his above average agility. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mike Mayock: Brown is a bit smaller, but very athletic. |
| 24 | Philadelphia Eagles | CB | Kareem Jackson | Alabama | Video | FS-OLB- DE-T/G |
9 | 17 | 22 | 10 | Defensively, the Eagles were unable to replace the loss of fan favorite Brian Dawkins in 2009. They did signed Marlin Jackson (Colts) but he has battled injuries (2 ACLs). The Eagles also dealt CB Sheldon Brown to the Cleveland Browns. Solidifying a once solid pass defense that slipped to #17 in the NFL in 2009 is a must in this year's draft. Kareem Jackson has the strength and top flight ball skills that the Eagles target. Durability is an added bonus as Jackson started three years for the 2009 national champs without missing a game. Jackson's aggressive nature, quick feet and ability to stick with receivers coming out of breaks has him climbing draft boards. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Todd McShay (ESPN): “Jackson is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft and could contribute as a sub-package corner while developing into an eventual replacement for the aging secondary players.” http://www.patspulpit.com/2010/4/11/1415061/11-days-to-the-draft-alabama-cb |
| 25 | Baltimore Ravens | TE | Jermaine Gresham | Oklahoma | Video | CB-TE- DE-FS |
5 | 8 | 5 | 18 | With the offseason addition of Anquan Boldin and the drafting of the best TE prospect in the draft, Joe Flacco will be ecstatic. Gresham has superior separation skills and open field agility. He'll provide the Raven passing game with a security blanket that can stretch the middle of the field. Gresham played in all 42 games during his first three seasons at Oklahoma (2006-2008). but suffered cartilage damage to right knee during 2009 summer camp and missed the entire 2009 season. He unofficially ran 4.76 and 4.73 forty times and had a solid 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Combine. For comparison, Brandon Pettigrew ran 4.87 at the 2009 Combine and went 20th (Lions). Gresham's blocking needs some work but his playmaking ability makes him a surefire first round pick. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (walterfootball.com): “I hate to compare Gresham to one of the best tight ends of all time, but I am limited because tight ends of Gresham's caliber are very rare with his size, athleticism and production.” http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010jgresham.php |
| 26 | Arizona Cardinals | DT | Jared Odrick | Penn State | Video | OT-OLB- QB-ILB |
17 | 23 | 28 | 12 | Odrick is best suited for a 3-4, even though the Cardinals run a 4-3 they do incorporate some 3-4 packages. Odrick might line up primarily at DT but you could see him coming off the edge on a regular basis as well. He is a guy that is moving up on some draft boards. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Howard Balzer of Comcast Sports thinks Odrick is the best fit for Cardinals at this point and feels that he would begin to replenish some of what the Cards have lost in free agency. http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-2010nflmockdraft4/27/ |
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys | S | Taylor Mays | USC | Video | S-LT- ILB-WR |
4 | 20 | 7 | 6 | Rumor has it that Jerry Jones is enamored with Nate Allen out of South Florida. Taylor Mays is a basically Roy Williams 2.0, only with more physical gifts. He is a beast, he looks the role, he actually looks more like a linebacker. He's big and fast, but I am really surprised that he had zero forced fumbles, odd for a guy with a reputation for hard hits. Mays may have have too many physical tools to pass up for Jerry Jones. The Cowboys need to replace Ken Hamlin and Mays has the potential to be a play maker. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Todd McShay (ESPN) thinks that Mays would fit in well in Big D and somewhat dismisses concerns that Mays, like Hamlin and Williams, may be exposed in the passing game, because of his superior closing speed. http://thelandryhat.com/2010/04/13/dallas-cowboys-draft-taylor-mays-or-charles-brown-video/ |
| 28 | San Diego Chargers | RB | Ryan Matthews | Fresno State | Video | RB-NT- CB-RT |
20 | 11 | 31 | 5 | Ryan Matthews could be a beast in San Diego. The Chargers are looking for a three down back and Matthews has both the pass catching and blocking skills to fill that role. Matthews led the nation in rushing last year and tore up a tough Boise defense for 234 yards, 3 TDs, and 12 yap. Had he been in a bigger program he would have been a strong contender for the Heisman. For my money, he's the top RB in the draft, but I'm partial to bigger backs that can stay on the field and not wear down. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt of Walterfootball.com calls the Chargers and Matthews :an almost perfect match. Walt points out his strong combine as one of the reasons he also has the Chargers taking Matthews with this pick. http://walterfootball.com/draft2010_1.php |
| 29 | New York Jets | DE | Everson Griffen | USC | Video | S-DE- OLB-WR |
8 | 1 | 1 | 31 | If this guy didn't have a reputation for taking plays off he could be a top 10 pick. He has that kind of pure talent but there are concerns about work ethic and motor driving him down and perhaps out of the first round. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: The guys from thejetsblog.com point out that Griffen may be better fit for a 4-3 but his size, strength, and upside make him a good bye at this point in the draft. http://www.thejetsblog.com/2010/03/05/prospect-watch-de-everson-griffen/ |
| 30 | Minnesota Vikings | G/OC | Maurkice Pouncey | Florida | Video | OL-QB- CB-NT |
2 | 19 | 13 | 8 | The Viking run game regressed in 2009 (AP didn't average more than 4yds/carry in weeks 11-16). The offensive line needs to improve in 2010 for the Vikings to maintain Super Bowl aspirations. Left tackle Bryant McKinnie was embarrassed by Julius Peppers and was ultimately bench in the week 15 loss to Carolina. McKinnie still has pro bowl potential but I'm not sure how we made the Pro Bowl in 2009 (of course the Miami night life was more appealing than the game and maturity remains a big question). RG Anthony Herrera should be a reserve and his run-blocking is lacking. Pouncey has the versatility to play all three interior positions although he played the majority of his collegiate career at center for the Gators. He would provide an upgrade over center John Sullivan, but would also add depth at the guard position. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Mel Kiper (ESPN): “Pouncey has emerged as the best center-guard combo available. He's an interior force that can help the get a team back to running the football effectively between the tackles” |
| 31 | Indianapolis Colts | OT | Rodger Saffold | Indiana | Video | OT-NT- OL-QB |
24 | 14 | 32 | 2 | The Colts need to continue to upgrade protection for the 34 year old Peyton Manning (offseason neck surgery). ManningŐs quick release and ability to recognize the rush have hidden the Colts below average O-line play. The tackles (LT Charlie Johnson and RT Ryan Diem) are below average and right guard Kyle DeVan would be better as a reserve. The 6-5, 314 pound senior finished his Indiana career with 41 starts. He was an All-Big Ten second-teamer and started at left tackle for 3-and-a-half years. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Walt (Walterfootball.com) “Rodger Saffold displayed his athleticism at the Combine, running a 5.22 in the 40 and looking fluid in the drills. He definitely has left tackle potential in the NFL.” |
| 32 | New Orleans Saints | OLB | Jerry Hughes | TCU | Video | DT-OLB- DE-TE |
21 | 26 | 6 | 4 | Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams did a remarkable job turning the Saints into one of the league's best at forcing turnovers. They still need to add an athletic playmaker next to Jonathan Vilma. Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle are consistent veterans but they are not disruptive. Hughes can rush from either side and has the defensive instincts to stuff the run. WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE SAYING: Former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns scout Daniel Jeremiah (http://www.movethesticks.com/) “Hughes has 10+ sack potential.” |
1st Round Traded Picks |
| # 11 - Denver receives Chicago's 2010 1st Round Picks, 2009 1st Round Pick (#18 - Robert Ayers), 2009 3rd Round pick and QB Kyle Orton for QB Jay Cutler and a 2009 5th Round Pick (via Seattle). |
| # 14 - Seattle receives Denver's 2010 1st Round Picks for 2009 2nd Round Pick (#37 - Alphonso Smith) |
| # 17 - San Francisco receives Carolina's 2010 1st Round pick for their 2009 2nd Round Pick (# 43 - Carolina selected Everett Brown) and 2009 4th Round Pick (# 111 - Carolina selected Mike Goodson). |